Stanford used a dazzling debut from Ebuka Okorie to defeat Portland State in their season opener, 89-79.
After a strong scoring showing in last week’s exhibition game, Kyle Smith challenged Ebuka Okorie to focus on other parts of his game. And he was up for the challenge.
The freshman phenom turned in a 26 point, 7 rebound performance that electrified Maples Pavilion and put him atop the list for points in a Stanford freshman debut. He was able to get into the paint and finish at the rim. He scored in the mid-range. He hit a pair of threes. Ebuka even finished tied for the most rebounds on the team, and contributed defensive highlights.
As in the exhibition game, Stanford forced 13 first half turnovers to win the field goal attempt battle and generate easier looks. Kyle Smith believes this will be a strength of the team this season. They needed that, as outside shooting was subpar in the first half, and the offense stagnated for stretches. Nevertheless, the Cardinal took a 37-30 lead into the break, thanks to Ebuka’s 16 points.
The Cardinal opened the second period on a quick 7-0 run to build the cushion to 14 points. Portland State wouldn’t go away, though, as a 9-0 run eventually trimmed the lead to 4. But that was as close as they would get.
Stanford played sloppy basketball in much of the second half. This gave the Vikings offense life, as they were struggling to score efficiently in the halfcourt. However, the Cardinal attack was buoyed by a parade to the foul line. They drew 30 fouls on Portland State, the most in Vikings history, which led to a 20-22 second half performance from the charity stripe.
Chisom Okpara finished the game with 21 points, the most he’s had since transferring to Stanford last season, and the tenth 20+ point game of his collegiate career. Chisom had perhaps the play of the day when he blew past his defender and finished with a highlight poster dunk to put the Cardinal up 11 late.
Jeremy Dent-Smith had 14 off the bench, including 3 made threes. The former D2 All-American has scoring in his DNA. Jeremy’s shot-making and ball-handling off the bench will be critical in determining how far this Cardinal team can go.
Benny Gealer started his senior season with 12 points and 5 steals, which matches a career high. It was a quiet game for him, but he hit an important three late and scored 9 in the second half.
Evan Stinson, Donavin Young, Anthony Batson, and Myles Jones all did not dress for the Cardinal. They are considered day-to-day. Stanford is in action on Saturday, when they host Montana, the one team picked ahead of Portland State in the Big Sky.